Statement on the slay of Oscar Solania Asildo Jr.

According to an initial police report, noon of August 30, Asildo was about to board his vehicle in front of the Guihulngan South Central School (GSCS) when two unidentified suspects approached and, without provocation or apparent reason, fired shots at him. The victim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The Department decries all forms of violence, especially those that imperil the lives and well-being of our learners, teachers, and personnel. More than ever, we uphold the sanctity of peace in schools and emphasize the crucial role of the community in ensuring that security is maintained in every environment where values of the youth are molded.

An employee of good standing like Asildo is a significant loss to the Department. A devoted father that he was is an even greater loss to his two small children. Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, who just recently met Asildo, shares the bereavement of his family and offers her sincerest condolences on behalf of DepEd.

With various theories and interpretations circulating on the cause of his death, DepEd Guihulngan has formed a fact-finding task force to help in the probe. Likewise, the Department calls on local officials and law enforcement agencies to immediately conduct a thorough investigation and guarantee that justice is duly meted against the perpetrators.

As in similar incidents, we enjoin everyone to contribute in respecting schools as zones of peace and ensuring that law and order truly prevails in all communities.